'First class': Usain Bolt bags a brace in first Mariners start

Usain Bolt has bagged a stunning brace in his first ever start for the Central Coast Mariners.

The Olympic champion butchered a few golden opportunities early in the match – but he quickly made amends with a couple of goals.

Bolt celebrated his first goal with his trademark lightning bolt pose, and as soon as he snagged his second, he gestured to Mariners coach Mike Mulvey for an extra five minutes to go for a hat-trick.

“He’ll treasure it forever,” Mulvey said.

His debut start for the Mariners against Sydney’s South West NPL All Stars had Bolt looking to stake his claim for a contract.

Bolt’s first goal left the Jamaican with plenty of work to do, and a powerful left-foot finish made its way past a defender to also beat the keeper.

The second, however, was a gift.

A blunder between the opposition’s defender and goalkeeper propped the ball in front of Bolt, with just a tap-in enough to do the trick for another.

“I think I made some mistakes but I’m just happy that I got a chance and I’m proud of myself,” Bolt said after being subbed in the 75th minute.

“It was a big deal, scoring that goal in my first proper match.

“This is what I work towards.”

Fans on social media were left gobsmacked after the two goals came in quick succession, after a shake start from the number 95:

Usain Bolt butchers golden opportunity

Usain Bolt had a golden opportunity to set himself up for a one-on-one opportunity in his first start for the Central Coast Mariners, but he absolutely blew it.

The Jamaican sprint king was gifted the chance when a through ball fortunately had the opposition’s defender slipping over to approach it.

But Bolt’s poor touch and seeming lack of pace had another Macarthur South West United defender able to track him down, ending what could’ve been his breakthrough chance.

“At the start where he seemed to be at his brightest, the touch was poor,” former Manchester United keeper Mark Bosnich said.

“He looked pretty tired after 15-20 minutes.

“It’s going to take quite some time, you could say a slight improvement but not very much.”

Fans watching Bolt’s make-or-break start couldn’t help but take to social to vent their opinions of the moment:

Bolt believes the Central Coast Mariners’ friendly will lead to the A-League club deciding his future.

His first start for the Mariners against Sydney’s South West NPL All Stars has Bolt looking to again stake his claim for a contract.

The Olympic great said it was likely he would know his future based on his performance, with the A-League season starting on October 19.

“This is going to be a big game. I think it will determine if the club makes up its mind on what to do

An eight-time Olympic gold medallist, sprinter Bolt arrived at the Mariners in August.

Bolt, a Manchester United fan, said he had made plenty of progress since arriving in Gosford.

“I think my movements and my touch [have improved]. I think my touch is much better now,” he said.

“I’ve learned how to set my body, where to place the ball, get a ball near my feet. There’s a lot of things that I’ve learnt that I will be applying in the game.

“It should be much better and I have more time because I’m fitter now so I have more time on the field so that’s good.”

with AAP.